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ITV Report

8 October 2012 at 12:01am

Roads funding announced by Transport Secretary

The road improvement announcement comes at a time when the Government is still reeling from the derailing of their plans for rail services to the north - a huge embarrassment to the Department of Transport.

Today's announcements says the improvements will take place over the next three years. A third stage of projects will be announced next year.

The Highways Agency say these improvements are part of the Government's growth initiative outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011. Funds have been allocated to the Highways Agency to undertake focused improvements to the strategic road network.

Critics question whether this is 'new' money or a restatement of existing funding. In the South East, the schemes outlined include:

M27 junction 5 improvement, Eastleigh

M20 junctions 6 to 7 improvement, Maidstone

A27 Ford Roundabout improvement, Arundel

A404 Bisham roundabout improvement, Maidenhead

M27 junction 3 improvement, Southampton

A34/M3 junction 9 Easton Lane improvement, Winchester

A3 Ham Barn roundabout improvement

M3 junction 6 and Black Dam improvement, Basingstoke

“Keeping traffic moving is vital to securing prosperity. By removing bottlenecks and improving access to enterprise zones, ports and communities, these road schemes will help get people to and from work and power the economy."